satisfaction with surgeon

Thanks for responding.  You are almost 2 months post op.  How has your life changed?  What has been the worst part so far?  How long did you stay in the hospital?  At the worst what was your pain level 1 - 10, 10 worst?  I want to be prepared - I know all the medical clinical stuff - thanks for helping!  I hope all goes the way you want it to.  How is Bend's economy doing? I live outside Eugene.
Happy Veterans day to all.  Thank you for your service and to their families sacrifice.

My insurance required that I lose 5% of my weight to become eligible.  Dr. Archer's nutritionist gave me a plan to follow.  I was successful.  I am 5'1" and started out at 232.6; by the time I had surgery I was at 216.  Today I weigh 186.  Due to my height, repeated dieting, and age it was very hard for me to lose weight.  Even following a diet plan faithfully I would only average around1/4 to 1/2 a pound weight loss a week.  I could never get below 200.  I was originally going to have the lap band, but after meeting with the nutritionist and doctor I chose the RNY because with the lap band and my slow metabolism it would have taken me around 5 years to lose my excess weight.  

Dr. Archer's program suggests that his patients read the following three books, I purchased them and found them very helpful in learning what to expect. 1. Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies; 2. The Success Habits of Weight-Loss Surgery Patients; 3. The Emotional First + Aid Kit - a practical guide to life after bariatric surgery. 

I had been on a diabetes prevention program prior to deciding to have the surgery.  In that program I learned the foods that are best for our bodies.  It has been a great help in preparing me.  I had already given up sodas, white bread, white rice and fried food.  I think that helped with my transition to the RNY.

If you read my story - click on my name you will see how the decision to have RNY and the tests they ran has already saved my life.  I will be having the precancerous cells taken out of my throat in January.

I stayed in the hospital for two nights - one extra night because I had a hiatal hernia corrected at the same time.  Since I traveled from Klamath Falls to Bend Dr. Archer asked me to stay in Bend one night and then see him before traveling home.  I did that.  So far I have had NO complications and no questions as all my questions and concerns that I read other people asking were already addressed in the meetings, the books and the paperwork the program gave me.  This program is very informative and makes sure you know what you are doing.  If I have a question all I have to do is e-mail Kathryn and they get back to me right away.  They have an emergency number to call if you need them when the office is closed.

The worst part - having to drink the stuff they need you to drink to look for leaks, it is kinda of thick and it was the first thing I could drink after surgery.  I wasn't sure if I could do it - but I did. I am experiencing some hair loss - as expected.  I am not going bald but is noticible in the shower that it is coming out.  Don't panic it will grow back.

In the hospital they give you pain medicine in your IV.  I was given liquid pain medicine and anti-nausea medicine to take after leaving the hospital.  I took the medicine the first day and only needed the pain medicine the second night.  I have not needed any medicine at all after the second night home.  I had taken three weeks off work to recover - I liked having the time to get used to the new me.  I felt good enough to bake every day and I walked every day at least 30 minutes.   I was actually suprised how good I felt.  I would say my pain level never got higher than a 5 and averaged around a 2 - not enough for pain meds.

Thanks for the info - I am going to pick up those books. 

Which surgery are you wanting to have. I had the lap band and it caused me a lot of problems. I had a revision surgery to the Sleeve and I love it. There is no malabsorption like the RNY and weight loss is just as good.

Looking at the RNY.  I dont think my insurance co covers the sleeve.  I havent really looked at the sleeve as an option.  What can you tell me about the procedure - good and bad?

With the sleeve they just make you a tiny stomach. They use the muscular part of the stomach that does not stretch much. Right after surgery, you can only eat about 2 oz. It does stretch a little bit, but not that much. Something solid like chicken, probably about 4 oz. Something mushy like yogurt 6-8 oz.

I honestly can't think of anything bad about this surgery. There is no malabosoption like the RNY . You have a full functioning stomach, just not a very big one. I love it!